IT was still goalless after an uninspiring first half between Middlesbrough and Derby County at the Riverside Stadium.
There were few chances created by either side in the opening 45 minutes on Teesside.
Former Rams loanee Danny Graham had the first sight of goal after a quarter of an hour but fired high and wide from an angle.
At the other end, Andre Wisdom fizzed a volleyed centre across the face of goal, while Chris Martin, looking for his 20th goal of the season, saw a shot well blocked by Ben Gibson.
Richard Keogh and Jake Buxton were both called upon to make important blocks themselves as the defences held firm.
Patrick Bamford cut in from the right on to his left foot but shot well over from 25 yards.
The best chance of the half fell to Boro after 35 minutes.
Lee Tomlin broke clear after good work from Graham, only to shoot straight at Lee Grant from 15 yards.
Craig Bryson headed a difficult chance wide from Jeff Hendrick's cross, under pressure from Kenneth Omeruo.
And with 44 minutes on the clock, George Thorne stung the hands of Dimi Konstantopoulos with a well-hit long-range effort.
